Environmental considerations are influencing the type of work the UK firm’s ship repair teams are being called on to perform
One of the leading global providers of shipboard repair and riding squad services, UK-based SeaTec has seen a strong upturn in demand over the past year, as vessels have returned from layup during Covid and have thereby required a range of repair and refit services. As a result, the company, part of the V.Group, reports that 2023 was one of its busiest years on record.
“We have been seeing more demand for full turnkey projects, and this is a trend that will continue through 2024 as well,” says Tino Rizzo, managing director of SeaTec. “Rather than choosing a different company for every job, customers are asking us to tender for all their requirements, including mechanical, electrical, automation, data, system integration and procurement work.”
SeaTec also reports receiving more requests for engine overhaul support at sea. “This is being driven by a hesitancy from vessel owners to go back to a manufacturer when there is an issue. We provide this service, and it is an area which has huge opportunities for growth,” adds Rizzo.
New technologies, and the need to comply with stringent environmental and decarbonisation regulations, are also having an impact on the scope of work undertaken by SeaTec. In particular, the introduction of mandatory EEXI and CII means an increasing number of vessel owners are looking for support and solutions to help them meet their new obligations.
“Sensor installations are an example of significant growth areas which require a considerable amount of manpower and coordination,” notes Rizzo. “While there are a number of technology companies that can provide these sensors, we are seeing an increase in vessel owners asking for our support in the installation and maintenance of sensors, together with integrated data monitoring systems.”
The company has also been called upon to install and implement new technology onboard to meet demand for greater energy efficiency and to meet new regulatory requirements. Projects for 2023 included power meter system design, installation and integration for 65 vessels; over 200 engine and shaft power limitation (ShaPoLI) projects; more than 100 ballast water treatment systems; and a growing number of scrubber refits.
Large projects of note included advanced wastewater management systems, shore power connections and fuel meters. For example, SeaTec oversaw a range of major refit and technical upgrades to Crystal Cruises’ vessels Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in 2023, and these included ‘cold ironing’, enabling the ships to connect to shore power.
Decarbonisation and environmental regulations will be key drivers for SeaTec in the year ahead. “With an increasing need to comply with a wide range of regulations, companies are turning to us for advice, support, and solutions,” says Rizzo.
He considers SeaTec especially well placed in this context, as it possesses the geographical reach, technology and capability in-house to fulfil a wide range of client requirements. Rizzo explains: “We can deploy teams with a variety of skills to fulfil the requirements of a project, from start to finish and some projects may require five or six colleagues, all with different expertise. We are embracing complexities and continuously coming up with innovative solutions for all our customers.”
